Benchmarking in Academic Physical Therapy: A Multicenter Trial Using the PT-GQ Survey

Area of Science:

• Physical Therapy Education
• Health Professions Education
• Academic Assessment

Background:

• Academic physical therapy lacks universal metrics for evaluating educational programs.
• The PT-Graduation Questionnaire (GQ) was adapted from the Association of American Medical Colleges' GQ to address this gap.
• This study introduces benchmarks for physical therapist education and compares student experiences to medical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish academic benchmarks for physical therapist education using the PT-GQ.
• To compare the experiences of physical therapist students with those of medical students.
• To identify strengths and weaknesses in physical therapist curricula.

Main Methods:

• The PT-GQ survey was administered to graduates from 34 doctor of physical therapy (DPT) programs (2019-2020).
• Data from 1025 respondents were analyzed, comparing PT-GQ results with Association of American Medical Colleges data.
• Statistical analysis included Welch's unequal-variance t test and Hedges g for effect size.

Main Results:

• Overall educational satisfaction for DPT graduates was comparable to medical graduates.
• DPT students reported higher faculty professionalism and lower mistreatment than medical students.
• Significant findings include one-third of DPT graduates reporting educational debt exceeding $150,000 and dissatisfaction with mental health services.

Conclusions:

• The PT-GQ provides valuable academic benchmarks for physical therapist education.
• Differences in student perceptions and experiences between physical therapy and medical education were identified.
• Ongoing trials will further refine benchmarks for academic physical therapy outcomes.